New business owners today have a wide variety of technology options that entrepreneurs never had before. Of course, you need to have the basics like computer and Internet access. However, this isn’t enough for most businesses. There are many other options that you’ll need to consider for your business.
Smartphones Help More Than Communication
Image via Flickr by jseliger2
Today, smartphones are a staple of business life. It’s a good idea to ensure that your employees have smartphones that are paid for by the company. In fact, these can replace traditional landlines in the office. There are a variety of reasons that smartphones in the office are beneficial.
- They help aid in communication – not only can you get calls on a smartphone, you can also text, use instant messaging, and email. This enhances productivity when an employee is able to do this from their phone.
- They help in setting and finishing tasks – with a number of great to-do apps, smartphones can help ensure that an employee gets tasks done on time.
- They help in time management – From calendar apps to options that are specific to time management, your employees can set up time for different things they need to do around the office, schedule meetings, and keep on top of their schedule, all from their cell phone.
Tablets Help Checkout and More
Tablets help companies of all sorts. Retail stores can use tablets in many different ways.
- Tablets can help keep track of inventory. There are apps as well as websites that will allow you to input your inventory to track this. In addition, since most tablets have cameras on them, you can scan in barcodes to ensure you have the right products.
- Tablets can be used as a point of sale. Many credit card companies, as well as third party companies are now offering payment options that connect with tablets to accept credit card or debit card payments.
- Tablets can be used to allow customers to custom order items. Do you offer personalized items, or are there items in your inventory that you don’t carry in store? Have a tablet on hand that you allow your customers to use to purchase these items through your website while in the store. This helps ensure the sale.
Safety Equipment Helps Security
No matter what type of business you run, it’s crucial that you have adequate safety equipment. There are many different types of security equipment you’ll need to consider for your business.
- Make sure you have a security system that is up to the task. An old system will most likely let you down in the long run. However, newer systems offer great options and benefits, such as wireless technology and the option to set the alarm from your phone.
- Make sure you have a safe that is fireproof and durable. This will keep important documents safe, as well as help ensure that money doesn’t get stolen. A safe won’t guarantee lack of theft, but it will help.
- Make sure you have a variety of fundamental safety items such as “wet floor” signs, Exit signs from wwww.exitlightco.com, and fire extinguishers. With proper safety equipment, you can keep employees and customers alike safe no matter what happens.
Online Presence Helps Customer Relations
Whether you are selling a product or a service, you need to make sure that you have a website. Today, if you don’t have a website, fewer people are going to trust your company. In fact, many people will search for your website and reviews about your company before they ever decide to work with you, no matter your business.
- Your website should look professional. Even if you build it yourself, it needs to be well-done with good design and copy. Otherwise, it won’t be taken seriously and people will be less likely to work with you.
- Your website should link to social media accounts. In addition to the website, you should have accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. This allows you to better connect with your customers. When they see you on a more personal level, they feel you are more trustworthy.
- Your website should be updated frequently. This will help ensure a good ranking in the search engines. Stagnant websites get bumped down the rankings. Make sure that you are updating as often as possible. One good way to do this is with a blog on the site.
Your new business can benefit from a lot of technology. In fact, almost everything your company does most likely has a technological component to it today.